About OpenAI o1
OpenAI o1 represents a breakthrough in AI reasoning capabilities, designed to tackle complex multi-step problems that require deep analytical thinking. Unlike traditional language models, o1 uses chain-of-thought reasoning to work through challenging tasks in mathematics, science, competitive programming, and research. The model excels at problems that would typically require PhD-level expertise, making it invaluable for researchers, scientists, and developers working on sophisticated technical challenges. Available through ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscriptions, o1 provides access to both the full model and o1-mini for faster, lighter reasoning tasks. While slower than GPT-4o, o1's deliberate approach to problem-solving delivers superior accuracy on complex reasoning benchmarks.
Best For
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class reasoning for complex problems
- PhD-level performance on STEM benchmarks
- Shows step-by-step thinking process
- Excellent at competitive programming
- Superior accuracy on multi-step problems
Cons
- Significantly slower than GPT-4o
- No web browsing capabilities
- Expensive Pro tier pricing
Pricing Plans
- Limited o1 access
- 50 messages per week
- o1-mini access
- GPT-4o access
- Unlimited o1 access
- o1 Pro mode
- o1-mini unlimited
- GPT-4o unlimited
Prices as of Jan 2026. Check official site for current pricing.
FAQ
What is OpenAI o1?
Experience OpenAI's most advanced reasoning model that thinks step-by-step through complex problems in math, science, and coding with unprecedented accuracy.
How much does OpenAI o1 cost?
$20 ChatGPT Plus • $200 ChatGPT Pro
Is OpenAI o1 good for beginners?
It depends on your experience level. Check the features to see if it fits your needs.
What are the best alternatives to OpenAI o1?
Popular alternatives include ChatGPT, Claude Sonnet 4.5, Gemini.